... seen to emerge across the period of transition elements: The number of oxidation states of each ion increases up to Mn, after which they start to drop. This drop is due to the stronger pull from the protons in the nucleus towards the electrons, making them harder to remove. When the elements are in lower oxidation states, they can be found as simple ions. However elements in higher oxidation states are usually bonded covalently to electronegative compounds such as O or F, often in an anion. Properties with respect to the stability of oxidation states: Higher oxidation state ions become less stable across the period. Ions in higher oxidation states tend to make good oxidising agents, whereas elements in low oxidation states become reducing agents. The 2+ ions across the period start as strong reducing agents, and become more stable. The 3+ ions start stable and become more oxidising across the ...

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